Calvin College has had a unique relationship with Julien Baker. When she performed in the Ladies Literary Club on a cold September night last year, she was just starting to break into wider recognition. When she came back later that year for the Festival of Faith and Music, she had just signed to Matador records.  Now, as of her return this Wednesday, she is a young artist on the rise, with two critically acclaimed albums under her belt.

The CFAC was crowded for the concert, which included Tancred as the opener. It was interesting that Julien chose her in particular; the two are very much a study in contrast. However, Tancred delivered a well-received set, providing an appropriate setup for Julien Baker to take the stage.

Most of the songs that Baker played were from her newest album “Turn Out the Lights.” In “Turn Out the Lights,” Baker explores depression, the struggle to find hope, God and that particular ennui that comes with trying to find hope when you feel that all is lost.

Julien Baker’s third performance at Calvin College marked a small change in her performance ethos.  While her prior performances consisted of Baker being the only one on stage for the entire show, she performed with a violinist this time, due to the nature of “Turn Out the Lights.”

Much like she presents herself in her albums, Baker’s performance was emotional. Baker has always been unafraid to sing out when the occasion calls for it as a performer, serving to heighten the emotions found in the tracks.

A conversation after the concert was held with Baker.

During the conversation, she cited a quote from the poet William Wordsworth, “All good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.”  

Baker’s philosophy returns again and again to this idea, whether it be in the way she writes, the way she experiences media or the way that she reconciles the Christian, artistic and various other sides of herself.

In a way, that is what this concert was about: reconciliation. A brief moment in time when, even though things are bleak and sad, there is still some hope in the end.